Support Sergio Garcia's American DREAM to practice law

THE DREAM: Sergio Garcia passed the California State Bar exam in 2009. He was sworn in, admitted to the bar, and granted a license to practice law in California. Finally, after all his hard work, Sergio was able to experience his dream as an attorney, a dream that only lasted two weeks until it was torn out of his hands. The Department of Justice has opposed Sergio’s admission to the state bar because of his immigration status, even though that is not one of the requirements for admission to practice law in California.

Sadly, Sergio’s case is not an isolated anomaly. Our country's broken immigration system has directly contributed to leaving many young undocumented men and women studying law or medicine unable to practice their professions. They are unable to obtain a state license to practice even after they have completed all the necessary requirements. #1ofmany

TAKE ACTION: Sergio's case will be heard by the California Supreme court on September 4, 2013. A decision in Sergio's favor could possibly set precedent for many others out there who have the same anxiety, fears, and trepidations. Help Sergio and others in the same situation by taking action and signing this petition. Share his story with your friends and family on your social media profiles and defend Sergio’s right to dream and be the best public servant he can be for those in need.

THE STORY: Sergio has been residing in the U.S. from a very young age. He came to this country with his mother and siblings to reunite with his working father. When he came to America, he saw the potential to accomplish his dream of becoming an attorney in a country where justice exists.

When Sergio’s parents began their life in the U.S. as farm workers they dreamt of a better life for Sergio and his siblings. For that reason, they made it a point to place a high value on the pursuit of an education. Coming from a poor family, his mother always encouraged him to study hard and accomplish his dreams.

Sergio is one of thousands of sons and daughters of U.S. citizens who have had a family petition pending. Sergio’s petition has been pending for the past 18 years. Under current immigration law, he will not be able to apply for his residency for another five to ten years.

Even though organizations such as the Dream Bar Association, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, the Asian Pacific American Legal center, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the Asian Law Alliance, the California Attorney General Kamala Harris and many others have submitted briefs in an effort to advocate for Sergio’s American dream of practicing law, the Department of Justice opposes that Sergio be licensed to practice law in the State of California. On September 4, 2013 the Department of Justice will be making its case against Sergio’s American dream.

There are no words to explain how Sergio felt when his dream of becoming an attorney was taken away from him shortly after it came true. Your efforts in signing this petition and sharing it on your social media pages will help put pressure on the Department of Justice to let Sergio fulfill his life-long American dream of practicing law.